UPDATE: A woman was tragically found dead on a hiking trail in northern Colorado, marking a rare and deadly mountain lion attack. Authorities confirm that the incident occurred on the Crosier Mountain trail in Larimer County around 12:15 p.m. Thursday, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Hikers on the trail reported seeing a mountain lion near the victim, who was lying unresponsive on the ground. They quickly intervened by throwing rocks to scare the animal away, but unfortunately, the woman was unresponsive and had no pulse when help arrived.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), mountain lion attacks are exceedingly rare in the state. Prior to this incident, there have only been 28 reported attacks since 1990, with the last fatality occurring in 1999. CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose emphasized the unusual nature of this attack during a press conference.
In response to the incident, CPW officers shot at a mountain lion on the scene and later tracked it down, ultimately euthanizing it for public safety. A second mountain lion in the vicinity was also euthanized. CPW officials stated that wildlife involved in attacks on humans must be removed to ensure community safety.
The animals will undergo testing for human DNA to confirm their involvement in the attack and will also be examined for any diseases that may have contributed to the incident, such as rabies or neurological disorders.
Colorado is home to an estimated 3,800 to 4,000 mountain lions, a population that has been growing since they were classified as a big game species in 1965. These animals typically inhabit brushy areas and woodlands, primarily preying on deer and elk.
CPW advises anyone encountering a mountain lion to make noise, hold objects overhead to appear larger, and slowly back away. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present even in seemingly safe outdoor environments.
As authorities continue their investigation and the community grapples with this shocking event, more updates are expected to follow regarding the victim’s identity and further findings from CPW. Stay tuned for the latest developments.